What do you think?
Rate this book
Batman: Dark Patterns #1-6
Batman: Dark Patterns, Vol. 1
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Experience some of Batman’s earliest case files as he delves into the most dangerous corners of Gotham City! Up against a devastating serial killer dubbed the "Wound Man," the Dark Knight is pushed to his physical and mental limits as the bodies pile up.
A new serial killer is terrorizing Gotham City, and his MO seems to be torturing his victims to death with surgical precision. But there’s more than just sadism at play, Batman soon realizes, and this newly christened "Wound Man" has more up his sleeve than just a brutal desire for violence.
Set in the early years of Batman’s career, Batman: Dark Patterns Vol. 1 pairs all-star creators Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman up to explore the mysteries that would go on to define the World’s Greatest Detective as we know him today.
Collects Batman: Dark Patterns issues #1-6.
A new serial killer is terrorizing Gotham City, and his MO seems to be torturing his victims to death with surgical precision. But there’s more than just sadism at play, Batman soon realizes, and this newly christened "Wound Man" has more up his sleeve than just a brutal desire for violence.
Set in the early years of Batman’s career, Batman: Dark Patterns Vol. 1 pairs all-star creators Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman up to explore the mysteries that would go on to define the World’s Greatest Detective as we know him today.
Collects Batman: Dark Patterns issues #1-6.
176 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 31, 2026
305 people want to read
About the author
Dan Watters
422 books143 followersDan Watters is a UK based comic book writer. His first book, LIMBO, was released through Image Comics in 2016. He has since written THE SHADOW at Dynamite Comics, and ASSASSIN’S CREED and WOLFENSTEIN for Titan Comics.
Currently he is writing the relaunch of LUCIFER for Vertigo’s Sandman Universe, as well as DEEP ROOTS for Vault Comics. Deeply rooted in London Town, and firmly of the Devil's party.
Currently he is writing the relaunch of LUCIFER for Vertigo’s Sandman Universe, as well as DEEP ROOTS for Vault Comics. Deeply rooted in London Town, and firmly of the Devil's party.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 6, 2025
8.5/10
Two very different cases, equally challenging for different reasons. The certain thing is that Batman will have to put both his detective and fighting skills to work.
I loved this. The cases are interesting, the "villains" are well written with motives that make sense. Bruce is obviously smart and strong but not to an absurd degree.
In my review of Absolute Wonder Woman, i said that Sherman's art was good, but for me, it didn't match the story. Here however, their art style fits perfectly.
I am truly excited for vol. 2.
Two very different cases, equally challenging for different reasons. The certain thing is that Batman will have to put both his detective and fighting skills to work.
I loved this. The cases are interesting, the "villains" are well written with motives that make sense. Bruce is obviously smart and strong but not to an absurd degree.
In my review of Absolute Wonder Woman, i said that Sherman's art was good, but for me, it didn't match the story. Here however, their art style fits perfectly.
I am truly excited for vol. 2.
November 4, 2025
Dark Patterns gets to be different, untethered to continuity and the current state of the universe, and this works in its favour. Watters is allowed to tell interesting detective stories with familiar faces and a grittier tone that is often lost amongst many mainline titles. Whilst this is not necessarily ground level, Gotham is always the most interesting when focusing on the regular citizens and how they get involved and intertwined with the chaos. In many ways, this is similar in tone to Gotham Central, but from Batman’s perspective rather than that of the GCPD. Both stories presented here are good reads, making this an easy recommend, especially for crime genre enthusiasts.
December 6, 2025
3.9 stars
June 21, 2025
4.5/5, rounded up.
This is the best new Batman comic series I've read in many years. I gave up on the regular monthly titles some years ago, but this newer series set only a few years into Batman's career has excellent writing, and very cool art backing it up. The first two arcs collected here involve a new character called Wound Man who was quite horrific, and a really cool Scarface story as well. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
This is the best new Batman comic series I've read in many years. I gave up on the regular monthly titles some years ago, but this newer series set only a few years into Batman's career has excellent writing, and very cool art backing it up. The first two arcs collected here involve a new character called Wound Man who was quite horrific, and a really cool Scarface story as well. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
June 21, 2025
In these times of ultra-decompressed storytelling, where authors take six issues to tell a story that could have been told in half the pages, I greatly appreciated the concept of three-issue story arcs.
No time wasted, Watters gets straight to the point with an old-school detective Batman—probably from years earlier than the regular series—investigating a particular case.
The storytelling is fully supported by Sherman's artwork, which shows great creativity. While the first story is a little weak in terms of plot and resolves itself a little too easily—the downside of three issues is that sometimes you have to use shortcuts—the second is really good and allows Sherman to indulge in bold and brilliant composition.
It was a podcast that spoke highly of this series that prompted me to try it. I was right to follow their advice.
No time wasted, Watters gets straight to the point with an old-school detective Batman—probably from years earlier than the regular series—investigating a particular case.
The storytelling is fully supported by Sherman's artwork, which shows great creativity. While the first story is a little weak in terms of plot and resolves itself a little too easily—the downside of three issues is that sometimes you have to use shortcuts—the second is really good and allows Sherman to indulge in bold and brilliant composition.
It was a podcast that spoke highly of this series that prompted me to try it. I was right to follow their advice.
August 15, 2025
Dan Watters y Hayden Sherman consiguen hacer historias de Batman que parecen nuevas. Primero, dando a los dos arcos argumentales aquí recogidos una vertiente social; el primero un poco visto pero conectándolo con el segundo a través de un tema de calado en la sociedad occidental: cómo afecta el problema de la vivienda a las clases menos favorecidas. Y después, quitando el freno en el uso de los villanos, profundizando en lo quimérico de su construcción (genial ese Scarface del segundo arco), extendiendo su acción a un plano metafísico, actores de una violencia que dota de matices sucios a argumentos de esa moralidad ambigua que debería estar en la mayoría de historias del personaje pero se suele perder por el camino. El resultado son unas páginas donde Batman es sobre todo testigo de lo que está mal en la sociedad y los monstruos que produce, muy 2000 AD.
A destacar el dibujo de Hayden Sherman. Muy inspirado en las composiciones de página aunque las secuencias que crea sean en ocasiones gratuitas, y en su representación del personaje y de Gotham. Aquí subrayar la importancia del color de Triona Farrell, que redondea la oscuridad de un tebeo que puede disfrutar cualquiera que alguna vez disfrutara con las historias de Batman.
A destacar el dibujo de Hayden Sherman. Muy inspirado en las composiciones de página aunque las secuencias que crea sean en ocasiones gratuitas, y en su representación del personaje y de Gotham. Aquí subrayar la importancia del color de Triona Farrell, que redondea la oscuridad de un tebeo que puede disfrutar cualquiera que alguna vez disfrutara con las historias de Batman.
June 7, 2025
Absolutely stellar all around.
December 26, 2025
(the whole series)
„There will be a fire tonight in gotham city. There always has been." the finale felt a bit rushed and not as impressive as i thought it would be but overall it was an amazing story, fire being a metaphor for gotham's nature is just ahhh
„There will be a fire tonight in gotham city. There always has been." the finale felt a bit rushed and not as impressive as i thought it would be but overall it was an amazing story, fire being a metaphor for gotham's nature is just ahhh
January 4, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up.
These 2 stories are like R-rated BTAS episodes, with some interesting new villains.
These 2 stories are like R-rated BTAS episodes, with some interesting new villains.
October 14, 2025
Decent set of stories. The first one, dealing with the wounded man, wasn’t my favorite… if this is meant to be more of a detective, ground Batman story, this felt a bit too fantastical.
The second one, with Scarface, picks things up a bit. I’m always game for a story with the dummy.
The second one, with Scarface, picks things up a bit. I’m always game for a story with the dummy.
January 24, 2026
I had heard rumblings about Dark Patterns as some sort of incredible masterwork. I am happy to confirm that it is, without a doubt, incredible. It’s Batman exactly as I love him— a skilled detective knee deep in gothic, sci-fi nonsense trying his best not to get killed. The tales here are incredibly interesting and macabre. The art is spectacular. Just… wow man. Not perfect, but this series just warms the cockles of my heart.
August 1, 2025
Modern version of legends of the dark knight and really hope they keep this series going.
July 14, 2025
One of the best Batman books out right now
June 10, 2025
#1-3, We Are the Wounded, ☆☆☆☆☆
#4-6, The Voice of the Tower, ☆☆☆☆
I expect this series will receive a lot more acclaim when a deluxe edition comes out containing all 12 issues. There aren't many series nowadays that stick to tight 3-issue stories, but Dark Patterns does it impeccably, delivering phenomenal art and writing issue after issue. I'm very much looking forward to the two stories in volume 2.
#4-6, The Voice of the Tower, ☆☆☆☆
I expect this series will receive a lot more acclaim when a deluxe edition comes out containing all 12 issues. There aren't many series nowadays that stick to tight 3-issue stories, but Dark Patterns does it impeccably, delivering phenomenal art and writing issue after issue. I'm very much looking forward to the two stories in volume 2.
August 18, 2025
Ciudad Arkham: El Orden del Mundo ya me enganchó a todo lo que Dan Watters pudiese escribir sobre Batman y, sobre todo, Gotham City. En aquella miniserie básicamente planteó un "Razas de Noche de Clive Barker" con varios pacientes fugados y una "llamada" aparentemente sobrenatural sobre la misma fundación retorcida de la ciudad que custodia el murciélago. En su etapa de Nightwing en ALL IN, Watters también parece querer integrar a la historia de Dick Grayson una presencia realmente ominosa ligada a su pasado circense. Y ya a cargo de una colección propia de Batman, el autor consigue formular una propuesta indudablemente perfecta de querer disfrutar de ese lado más oscuro y perturbador del personaje y la ciudad que le rodea.
Patrones Oscuros nos traslada a los primeros años de actividad de Bruce Wayne como Batman, aún no conociendo del todo los recovecos de esta urbe aparentemente condenada ya sea por el crimen sin fín o algo realmente siniestro y sobrenatural que provoca un sin fín de eventos terribles de los que Bruce trata de mantener a raya o acabar con los que puede en sus límites humanos. Justamente el primer arco argumental parece desafiar totalmente esto presentando un nuevo enemigo realmente terrible y perturbador que busca infligir una dolorosa justicia que se puede comprobar en su propio cuerpo. Tengo que decir que es curioso que Watters y el autor de los números recientes de Green Arrow hayan coincidido en una trama similar de . Pero es cierto que en la colección protagonizada por el Arquero Esmeralda se busca una resolución que cale más en lo discursivo y en Patrones Oscuros, Dan Watters hiere hasta el tuétano con la presencia de El Hombre Herido.
Y si en la presentación de la colección descubríamos un nuevo enemigo. El 2º arco resignifica uno más conocido de la galería del Batverse como hacía tiempo que no se disfrutaba con este personaje que tan perturbadoras posibilidades ofrece desde su retorcido reino psicológico. Atendiendo a la situación que escala en peligro por momentos de una inminente carga policial a un edificio que está siendo amenazado con expulsar a los desesperados residentes. Batman va descubriendo una amenaza más preocupante que el torpe secuestro de una de las patrulleras que han ido a investigar el lugar. El edificio tiene sus propias reglas en una arquitectura que trasmite mejor ecos de pura paranoia. Y alguien se está aprovechando de ello para trascender su patético cuerpecito a unos materiales más sólidos e inexpugnables. En otra demencial historia con ecos "Barkerianos", este "edificio viviente" arroja sus particulares "anti cuerpos" ante la amenaza a su sistema que supone el Caballero Oscuro. Pura tensión en la que el trabajo a los lápices de Hayden Sherman también promueven interesantes juegos de construcción (sic.) de composición de viñetas que contribuyen a la sensación claustrofóbica y pesadillesca. El color de Tríona Farrell también refuerzan la estética hiper marcada oscura y tenebrista que hace destacar Batman: Patrones Oscuros como una excelente nueva lectura del personaje.
Patrones Oscuros nos traslada a los primeros años de actividad de Bruce Wayne como Batman, aún no conociendo del todo los recovecos de esta urbe aparentemente condenada ya sea por el crimen sin fín o algo realmente siniestro y sobrenatural que provoca un sin fín de eventos terribles de los que Bruce trata de mantener a raya o acabar con los que puede en sus límites humanos. Justamente el primer arco argumental parece desafiar totalmente esto presentando un nuevo enemigo realmente terrible y perturbador que busca infligir una dolorosa justicia que se puede comprobar en su propio cuerpo. Tengo que decir que es curioso que Watters y el autor de los números recientes de Green Arrow hayan coincidido en una trama similar de . Pero es cierto que en la colección protagonizada por el Arquero Esmeralda se busca una resolución que cale más en lo discursivo y en Patrones Oscuros, Dan Watters hiere hasta el tuétano con la presencia de El Hombre Herido.
Y si en la presentación de la colección descubríamos un nuevo enemigo. El 2º arco resignifica uno más conocido de la galería del Batverse como hacía tiempo que no se disfrutaba con este personaje que tan perturbadoras posibilidades ofrece desde su retorcido reino psicológico. Atendiendo a la situación que escala en peligro por momentos de una inminente carga policial a un edificio que está siendo amenazado con expulsar a los desesperados residentes. Batman va descubriendo una amenaza más preocupante que el torpe secuestro de una de las patrulleras que han ido a investigar el lugar. El edificio tiene sus propias reglas en una arquitectura que trasmite mejor ecos de pura paranoia. Y alguien se está aprovechando de ello para trascender su patético cuerpecito a unos materiales más sólidos e inexpugnables. En otra demencial historia con ecos "Barkerianos", este "edificio viviente" arroja sus particulares "anti cuerpos" ante la amenaza a su sistema que supone el Caballero Oscuro. Pura tensión en la que el trabajo a los lápices de Hayden Sherman también promueven interesantes juegos de construcción (sic.) de composición de viñetas que contribuyen a la sensación claustrofóbica y pesadillesca. El color de Tríona Farrell también refuerzan la estética hiper marcada oscura y tenebrista que hace destacar Batman: Patrones Oscuros como una excelente nueva lectura del personaje.
December 26, 2025
This series reads like a compilation of unreleased Batman: The Animated Series episodes in the best way possible. Most of Batman's lines I heard in my head as if read by Kevin Conroy, and it felt fitting to his interpretation of the character, but that could just be personal bias. The tone hits a lot of similar notes, with the cast focused on Batman, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and whatever characters are pertinent to the story at hand. Of the 2 stories covered in this first volume, there aren't any big-name villains featured (unless you consider Scarface a prominent baddie in Batman's Rogues Gallery; I love the character, but I know he's probably a C-lister). This leaves the space open for originality, something that Batman can at times feel lacking in, so it's nice to have a series that doesn't lean so earnestly on the predictable enemies Batman is often pushed up against. Even Scarface is taken in a clever direction that expands the character in inventive ways.
The art is great across the board, and the writing and style feel perfect for the types of tales being told. This doesn't hit a 5 mostly because I've personally enjoyed other Batman comics more, but I do think this is a top-tier Bat-book that I could recommend to nearly anyone.
The art is great across the board, and the writing and style feel perfect for the types of tales being told. This doesn't hit a 5 mostly because I've personally enjoyed other Batman comics more, but I do think this is a top-tier Bat-book that I could recommend to nearly anyone.
August 17, 2025
Compré esta obra casi a ciegas, arrastrado por las recomendaciones y por ese tan repetido calificativo de “callejera”. Y sí, en parte encontramos un Batman más rudo, investigador, con casos que se relacionan directamente con los ciudadanos de Gotham. Pero también me ha sorprendido el notable componente fantástico que atraviesa la historia.
Se habla de oscuridad, de crudeza, de un tono realista… y lo cierto es que esperaba algo más cercano a eso (dentro de lo posible, claro, teniendo en cuenta que hablamos de un hombre disfrazado de murciélago). Quizá el problema haya estado en mis expectativas, en esa búsqueda constante de obras que se acerquen al espíritu de The Batman de Reeves.
Aun así, la lectura resulta entretenida y se deja llevar. Puede que me anime con el segundo volumen, aunque ya sin esperar tanto.
Se habla de oscuridad, de crudeza, de un tono realista… y lo cierto es que esperaba algo más cercano a eso (dentro de lo posible, claro, teniendo en cuenta que hablamos de un hombre disfrazado de murciélago). Quizá el problema haya estado en mis expectativas, en esa búsqueda constante de obras que se acerquen al espíritu de The Batman de Reeves.
Aun así, la lectura resulta entretenida y se deja llevar. Puede que me anime con el segundo volumen, aunque ya sin esperar tanto.
December 26, 2025
(This review is for all 12 issues, as 7-12 don't have a single volume on Goodreads).
Insanely good, a true modern classic that will find its place into various "must read Batman" comics. I simultaneously hope that it will and that it won't get a sequel of some kind. Or that at least the creative team will be reunited for some another project again.
The plot? The Bat solves crimes, the World's Greatest Detective does what he does best. I don't want to spoil anything, just be prepared for some disturbing stuff and down-to-Earth scale.
The art? I'm not a comic book art expert, but it gave me some retro Long Halloween vibes. It's just beautiful, the panel composition, the characters, the little details. Loved it. But the best part? The eyes. Oh my god, those eyes.
I highly recommend every Batman enjoyer to explore this series, it's a must read.
Insanely good, a true modern classic that will find its place into various "must read Batman" comics. I simultaneously hope that it will and that it won't get a sequel of some kind. Or that at least the creative team will be reunited for some another project again.
The plot? The Bat solves crimes, the World's Greatest Detective does what he does best. I don't want to spoil anything, just be prepared for some disturbing stuff and down-to-Earth scale.
The art? I'm not a comic book art expert, but it gave me some retro Long Halloween vibes. It's just beautiful, the panel composition, the characters, the little details. Loved it. But the best part? The eyes. Oh my god, those eyes.
I highly recommend every Batman enjoyer to explore this series, it's a must read.
August 29, 2025
This is peak Batman in my opinion. Short grounded story arcs where his detective work is on full display. No fighting space gods or 15 foot tall scientific abominations (cough Absolute Batman cough), just regular hoods who occasionally get the best of him. Even the outlandish “wound man” isn’t really the villain, it’s the corrupt businessman who created him.
Sherman’s art steals the show, their Batman is timeless, and the colors are fantastic. I’ve already picked up some of their other works and I’m looking forward to the conclusion of Dark Patterns. I’m happy to see Sherman getting work on Absolute titles but DC needs to let them do more of this Batman.
Sherman’s art steals the show, their Batman is timeless, and the colors are fantastic. I’ve already picked up some of their other works and I’m looking forward to the conclusion of Dark Patterns. I’m happy to see Sherman getting work on Absolute titles but DC needs to let them do more of this Batman.
November 17, 2025
I just finished the 12 single issues so this will be a review of everything - but no spoilers. Loved the format - 4x 3-issue detective stories within a larger, overarching story. Great, disturbing new villains. Great art and colours, though the covers weren't that exciting. The layouts were pretty unusual - some strange geometric shapes in place of grids and I'm not sure what purpose they served but it was interesting I guess. I love it when Batman is solving crimes and encountering weirdos and not just beating people up.
November 27, 2025
This is probably more of a 4.5 star book, but I had to round up just cause the stuff it does right, it really does well.
Big fan of Herman’s artwork (including the pencils, inking, colouring, panel layout, and shot choice), setting, characters (new and old), plots, structure, and pacing.
My only negative, but it is a fairly big one, is Batman’s dialogue. Sometimes he talks way too much. It’s fairly unlike him. But Watters still includes many moments where he talks as you’d expect, brief, to the point, and powerful.
Really looking forward to the next/final volume.
Big fan of Herman’s artwork (including the pencils, inking, colouring, panel layout, and shot choice), setting, characters (new and old), plots, structure, and pacing.
My only negative, but it is a fairly big one, is Batman’s dialogue. Sometimes he talks way too much. It’s fairly unlike him. But Watters still includes many moments where he talks as you’d expect, brief, to the point, and powerful.
Really looking forward to the next/final volume.
January 11, 2026
This series resembles episodes of Batman: The Animated Series. The stories center on Batman, Alfred, and Commissioner Gordon, with no major villains, allowing for originality. Scarface, though not a top-tier villain, is explored in new ways. I'm enjoying this character! "Dark Patterns" is free from continuity constraints, enabling engaging detective narratives. It emphasizes Gotham's ordinary citizens' involvement in chaos, similar to Gotham Central but from Batman’s viewpoint. Both stories are compelling, making it a strong recommendation for crime genre fans
September 7, 2025
The 3 issues in this volume contain a full investigation. The story was good, Batman tried to find who was the villain and what were his motivations. It was well balanced, with some action and some empathy. The colors gave a pleasant atmosphere, not too dark, and there was some kind of old school vibe that worked nicely with the story. I wasn't a fan of the art style, but the chara-design of the villain was interesting and seemed compicated to draw.
October 27, 2025
3.5. Interesante. Es el Batman noventoso, podría estar dibujado por Breyfogle. No sé si era parte de 5G o de donde salió la idea, pero está bastante bien. Las historias se sienten medio simplonas, sobre todo en cuanto al misterio, que pareciera ser hacia donde quiere ir y no termina funcionando. Pero el vibe de "clásico" está bueno.
November 27, 2025
You have an incredible gift for storytelling. The pacing, the atmosphere, the subtle emotions, everything about it feels ready to be visualized.
I'm a commissioned artist and specialize in comics and webtoons, and your story honestly felt like it was already meant to be drawn.
If you want to explore that, you can find me on Instagram (@eve_verse_) or Discord (bennett_lol).
I'm a commissioned artist and specialize in comics and webtoons, and your story honestly felt like it was already meant to be drawn.
If you want to explore that, you can find me on Instagram (@eve_verse_) or Discord (bennett_lol).
May 19, 2025
Been reading this series (this book will be the first 6 issues) and loved all six that have been out.
Dan Watters NOT being on mainline Batman allows him the opportunity to write a Vertigo styled Bat story that is grimy, gritty, bloody, and so damn good.
Dan Watters NOT being on mainline Batman allows him the opportunity to write a Vertigo styled Bat story that is grimy, gritty, bloody, and so damn good.
January 18, 2026
My new favorite in Batman. Long have I been looking to recapture the feeling of the Batman of the old where stories were of unique villains and investigations by Batman. This quenches that thirst. Great stories each and every one.
January 26, 2026
Two really nice short stories from Batman´s earlier years. Great noir atmosphere and solid deduction work from greatest detective. Art of the comic resembles 50s and it serves its purpouse. Not greatest, but really solid Batman. For Batmans fans, its a must.
February 7, 2026
4.5 stars
This was a very solid Batman story. Well, there are kind of two stories in this. I mean I’ve heard that ppl liked Dan Waters’ Nightwing run (still have to check that one out myself) and I like Hayden Sherman’s art too. So the combination of both of them together is a good combo I think.
This was a very solid Batman story. Well, there are kind of two stories in this. I mean I’ve heard that ppl liked Dan Waters’ Nightwing run (still have to check that one out myself) and I like Hayden Sherman’s art too. So the combination of both of them together is a good combo I think.
August 24, 2025
Bloody amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews